The B.C. Broadband Satellite Initiative, is providing increased service to Boundary-Similkameen communities, MLA Linda Larson announced on April 25.
The B.C. government is committed to spending up to $2 million to make access to satellite-based high-speed Internet more affordable for British Columbians in remote areas who don’t have access to traditional broadband Internet.
“The Internet is now one of the most important resources at our disposal,” Larson said. “British Columbians now use the Internet for work, entertainment and communicating.”
The initiative provides incentives for Xplornet to provide satellite coverage in remote areas where it would otherwise not be economical to do so.
In the riding of Boundary-Similkameen, other communities with eligible residents include:
· Beaverdell
· Bridesville
· Cawston
· Grand Forks
· Greenwood
· Hedley
· Keremeos
· Okanagan Falls
· Oliver
· Osoyoos
· Rock Creek
· Westbridge
The program is the result of a partnership between the provincial government, Xplornet Communications and local installers. British Columbians who don’t have traditional wireless or landline broadband solutions available can receive funding assistance of up to 50 per cent of installation and set-up costs, up to a maximum of $250.
It is the provincial government’s goal is to see every British Columbian have access to affordable high-speed Internet by 2021.
To learn more about the program, call 1-866-841-6001 or visit Xplornet.com.
To learn more about NetworkBC visit: Network.gov.bc.ca